Air cleaners & exhaust

[dalknob]

I'm thinking of switching out my stock gs550 airbox for K&N pods & getting a 4 into 1 muffler. I wasa wondering if it is worth the undertaking & would I need to adjust the jetting.

[Nessism]

I'm thinking of switching out my stock gs550 airbox for K&N pods & getting a 4 into 1 muffler. I wasa wondering if it is worth the undertaking & would I need to adjust the jetting.

Yes, you will need to rejet.

BTW, this is one of the most common topics in this forum. I don't mean to sound harsh but if you use the search function you will get the answer you need.

[rphillips]

Yes you will need to re jet. Depends on what you want, It won't make your bike out run the modern 600's, it will make your bike outrun a stock 550 from 25 yrs. ago. It will make your bike sound fast, I kindf like the sound of a 4 in 1.

[mark]

Its worth the undertaking if you enjoy working on your bike and the trial and error that is required to make it work. Along with jets you might have to raise your needles etc. Without the time and patience required you could end up with worse performance.

There is tons of info on this subject.

[tconroy]

Marks right on that one,these bikes are all about time and patience.But the reward is awsome!!!

[dalknob]

Your right I should have used the "search" option as far as the pods are concerned. I did just that & I think I might try the easy way first & simply remove my air box cover. I have not found many posts about 4/1 exhausts. If I just go with the exhaust, will I still need to rejet? & is it worth the time & money to do it?

[mark]

Every bike will be a little different. I went with a 4-1 on my 850 because my old exhaust was toast, I felt it was the best option, and I wanted one anyway. I kept the stock airbox. Didn't have to re-jet but did have to do some needle work which is a little harder than just swapping out jets. It took TIME and trial and error to figure it out.

I don't know what year your bike is, but I doubt just adding an exhaust is worth it if you're going for performance. If you like a 4-1 for the sound or looks or whatever then maybe it is.....that's up to you.

If you take the airbox cover off, you might as well just put the pods on in my opinion. The air box is designed to let in the right amount of air and if you take off the cover it will lean it out.

Whatever you do, if you put on a 4-1 you'll almost certainly have to do some adjusting. From my point of view if your having fun.....its worth it.

[earlfor]

Your right I should have used the "search" option as far as the pods are concerned. I did just that & I think I might try the easy way first & simply remove my air box cover. I have not found many posts about 4/1 exhausts. If I just go with the exhaust, will I still need to rejet? & is it worth the time & money to do it?

Keeping the stock airbox with cover and just adding a 4 into 1 exhaust, you may be able to get by without rejetting. It depends on whether its running rich or lean now. There will probably be no HP increase but noise level will increase.

Removing the airbox cover and adding a 4 into 1 will definitely require rejetting. Noise level will increase and you may get about 1-2 hp more.

Is it worth the work? From a power gain viewpoint, no. There will not be enough performance difference to detect. The increased noise may make you feel it is faster, but it isnt going to set your hair on fire. :-) I wouldnt bother as its a lot of work, trial and error and set up for nothing. But then, if you like playing with mechanical things to keep your hands occupied, then its worth it. :-) Depends on whether you're a coffee or tea person. :-)

E.

[dalknob]

Thanks for all the input, While I like to play with things mechanical, this is my first bike & I just want to RIDE, I like the look of the 4/1 & I am sure I will like the sound, but I think I will keep it stock for now. As far as riding is concerned I am more interested in stopping power. I see a lot of old GS on EBAY for parts & I am thinking about swapping out the front end for a 2 rotor setup. Any thoughts?

[rpickle]

Earl Congrats on 15000 posts! Wow - how many keyboards have you worn out? It will take me several decades to catch you at my pace.....

Rick

[tkent02]

Two rotor setup is a huge improvement....

I am thinking about swapping out the front end for a 2 rotor setup. Any thoughts?

Did it on my '78 750, now it stops like a 1980 something bike, two fingers for a panic stop, one for normal riding. Way better than it was.

But the single rotor system is OK if it is working right, just takes more fingers to lock it up.